Kansas City firefighters were called to the 3600 block of Troost Avenue about 3 a.m.

Fire crews said when they arrived, smoke was shooting from the basement area and was spreading throughout the building. They said some people were dangling from balconies at the front of the building because they could not get out.

"The fire people, they came up there, you know, found me, and they carried me downstairs," said resident William Hunter, who was rescued from his apartment. He had been having trouble breathing.

Three people suffered minor smoke inhalation. They were treated at the scene and then taken to a hospital to be checked out. No one appeared to have serious injuries, firefighters said.

Members of one family credited their 8-year-old son with waking them up in time for them to climb down a ladder from the second floor.

Firefighters were even able to get some pets safely out of the house.

There were 19 people living in the building. The Red Cross is helping them with temporary lodging, food, clothing and supplies.

Fire investigators said there were only two working smoke detectors in the building, and they were located on the third floor.

"(The detectors) were on the top floor on the west end of the building, so it's amazing that anybody made it out of this building alive," said Battalion Chief James Garrett.